Sarasota Felony Defense Lawyer
A felony allegation can put your freedom, work, and future plans at risk. Start by understanding the exact charge, the evidence, and the decisions ahead. Former prosecutor Daniel D. Nawara represents people facing criminal charges in Sarasota and surrounding communities.
Request a free consultation to discuss a pending charge or investigation. Bring any charging documents and court notices so the discussion starts with the details of your case.
Understanding a Florida felony charge
Florida divides felonies into degrees, with separate rules for life and capital felonies. The name of an allegation alone may not tell you its degree. The charging document, statutory subsection, alleged facts, and any enhancement must be checked.
Under section 775.082, Florida Statutes, the ordinary imprisonment limits for three common felony classifications are:
| Degree | Ordinary statutory maximum |
|---|---|
| Third-degree felony | 5 years |
| Second-degree felony | 15 years |
| First-degree felony | 30 years; certain offenses specifically authorize life imprisonment |
These are general limits, not a prediction of your sentence. Mandatory minimums, enhancements, multiple counts, the Criminal Punishment Code, and other statutory provisions can change the analysis. The offense date also matters when determining which law applies.
Why the sentencing scoresheet matters
Florida's Criminal Punishment Code uses a scoresheet addressing factors such as the primary offense, additional offenses, prior record, and qualifying injury or status points. Section 921.0024 governs the calculation. A lawyer should check the proposed scoresheet against the actual records and evaluate any claimed mandatory minimum or enhancement.
A first felony charge does not automatically mean probation. Conversely, an arrest does not establish guilt or determine a sentence. An informed discussion separates the State's allegation, potential exposure, available defenses, and any proposed resolution.
Building a defense around the evidence
Different charges call for different questions. A careful review can examine whether the evidence establishes each required element, whether witnesses' accounts are consistent, and whether searches or statements present legal issues. Existing video, messages, records, and witness information may help explain context that is missing from an initial report.
- Drug allegations: possession, knowledge, identification of the substance, and the circumstances of a search may require examination. See drug-possession defense and drug-trafficking information.
- Theft allegations: ownership, permission, intent, identification, and valuation may be relevant. See grand theft in Florida.
- Violence allegations: the sequence of events, injuries, witness accounts, and potential defenses depend on the charge. See battery defense.
The available strategy depends on the evidence and law. A motion, negotiation, or trial should be evaluated on its merits; a former-prosecutor background does not guarantee a dismissal or reduction.
From arrest to resolution
A felony case can involve release or detention issues, formal charges, arraignment, evidence review, pretrial hearings, and a resolution or trial. The route and timing differ by case. Our Sarasota arrest-process guide explains the early stages and how to verify your next court date.
Before accepting a plea, discuss the exact terms, adjudication, possible custody or supervision, financial obligations, and consequences relevant to you. Bring up immigration status, professional licensing, and existing probation so counsel can identify issues that may require additional advice.
Prepare for a free consultation
Have your case number, arrest report or probable-cause affidavit if available, charging document, release order, and next court notice ready. Prepare a list of questions and preserve existing evidence. You can contact the firm even if you do not yet have all the records.
Questions about felony representation
Can a felony be reduced or dismissed?
That may be possible in some cases, but it depends on the law, evidence, and decisions made in the case. A consultation should identify issues to investigate without promising an outcome.
Will hiring a lawyer excuse me from court?
Do not assume so. Follow your court notices and orders, and confirm attendance requirements with counsel. Any waiver or excusal must be valid for the particular hearing.
Are payment plans available?
Payment options can be discussed during the free consultation. Review the firm's fee information and ask about the proposed scope of representation.
Call (941) 920-5514 or contact Nawara Law. Learn more about Daniel D. Nawara's background.
General Florida legal information, updated September 25, 2026. This overview is not a sentencing calculation or advice about a particular case. Laws, offense dates, facts, and court orders can affect the result.